Bach's Brandenburg Concertos were designed to present six entirely different examples of the instrumental concerto, a genre that was not yet standardized.
Performer Biography
John Butt, the Director and Harpsichordist for this recording, is the Gardiner Professor of Music at the University of Glasgow and has received an OBE for his services to music in Scotland.
Recording & Production
The Dunedin Consort, led by Director John Butt, recorded these Brandenburg Concertos at Perth Concert Hall in May 2012.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Bach's Brandenburg Concertos are notable for being highly structured yet also among his most carefree, joyous, and spontaneous works.
Compositional Technique
The term 'concerto' in Bach's day could mean both 'agreement' and 'disputation', reflecting the dynamic interplay between 'tutti' (full ensemble) and 'solo' groups.
Composition History
Bach completed a manuscript of six concertos, titled 'plusieurs instruments', in March 1721 for presentation to the Margrave of Brandenburg.
Interpretation
This recording adopts a lower pitch standard (A' 392Hz) based on the likely practice at Cöthen, where Bach worked, which adds warmth and encourages subtle articulation.
